The U.S. requested the delay New Zealand cigarette plain packaging legislation

The U.S. requested the delay New Zealand cigarette plain packaging legislation

Six U.S. business organizations asked the government to postpone the implementation of the New Zealand legislation for plain packaging of cigarettes.

According to the French news agency AFP ( Agence France Presse ) The bill Environmental Non-Smoking ( Cigarette Plain Packaging ) will be read out in parliament for the first time on Tuesday ( 11/2 ) .

The group that includes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , the National Foreign Trade Council and the National Association of Manufacturers , said the legislation could eliminate the rights of employers to use his trademark .

Regulation was also feared to encourage black market cigarettes .

However, U.S. demand is likely to be debated . Health Minister Tariana Turia insisted New Zealand , said his country is a sovereign country that can make any law for the sake of national interests .

William Reinsch of the National Foreign Trade Council told Morning Report program on Radio New Zealand , Monday ( 10/2 ) , the law was actually violated international trade New Zealand .

" The government does not have absolute freedom to do anything if linked to the international system , " said Reinsch .

" Moreover, New Zealand is the leader of the WTO . Former prime minister Mike Moore had been the director general . Ambassador of New Zealand to the WTO agriculture committee never led over the years . Moreover, New Zealand is usually always at the forefront in reminding all parties to respect the rules , " Reinsch added .

Reinsch considered to have interests because some members of the institution are tobacco companies . The New Zealand government has said they would await the outcome of legal action against Australia over this legislation before enacting policies plain packaging for cigarettes .